Extracting 3D shape models and related life knowledge from paper-based sketches

The main problem addressed in this paper concerns the lack of computational tools that allow designers to automatically extract three-dimensional (3D) shape models from paper-based form sketches during early design. To address this problem, various Computer-Aided Sketching (CAS) tools have been developed. However, their digital sketching medium replaces the natural, portable and readily available paper. To address these issues, this paper reports the development of a framework, which allows designers to obtain 3D virtual models and related life-cycle knowledge directly from early form paper-based sketches. The evaluation results of the implemented prototype tool, X-SKetch provide a degree of evidence that this framework is a step towards making 3D geometric modelling software and computer technology available not only to designers but also to other users.